SACD Update: Multi-Channel Product Debut
Guide Note: If you are unfamilar with SACD and DVD-Audio, you might check out my previous articles on this subject: Product Trends For 2001: DVD Audio/SACD and Battlefield Audio - The CD Format War.
It was just about two years ago that Sony announced the introduction of SACD. Although Sony and Philips were co-developers of the CD format that has been with us for almost twenty years, both are pushing the SACD as the successor to the traditional CD. Facing competition from the DVD-Audio format, which is based on current DVD/CD technology and backed by Panasonic, Pioneer, Kenwood, and others, Sony and Philips are hoping that SACD's revolutionary approach to digital audio reproduction will eventually win the ears and pocketbooks of both the audiophile and mainstream consumer. Sony's first SACD player, the SCD-1, was priced at $5,000, definitely out of reach to all but but the most wealthy of audiophile oriented consumers. In addition, this first generation player was only capable of two-channel playback, however, in its new incarnation, Sony has added multi-channel capability to SACD.
In brief, multi-channel SACD is a full 5.1 channel audio reproduction format, outwardly similar to Dolby Digital and DTS in that it takes advantage of the same speaker configuration (Center, L/R, LS, RS, and Subwoofer). However, unlike DD and DTS, the digital processing employed and sonic characteristics of multi-channel SACD are tailored to the reproduction of music rather than dialog and sound effects emphasized by the aforementioned 5.1 channel formats. Also, in addition to 5.1 channels, SACD recordings can also be mixed in a 3 or 4 channel configuration as well. This flexibility gives the recording artist and engineer creative options limited by current audio CD technology.
Sony is now pushing SACD into the mainstream consumer market with the incorporation of the technology into a line of very affordable audio and home theater products. The most visible product category incorporating SACD is Sony's new line of home-theater-in-a-box systems, referred to as "Dream Systems". Based on the design and success of its DAV-S300, Sony has now released three new systems that are sure to shake up the market:
The DAV-S500, along with SACD playback, this integrated home theater system includes Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, a 60-watt powered subwoofer, and a DVD/CD/CD-R/RW player. This system is available at retailers now for $599. For more specifications and photo, click here.
The DAV-C700 includes a Five-Disc DVD/CD/CD-R/RW changer with SACD playback as well as a more powerful Dolby Digital/DTS receiver with a 100-Watt powered subwoofer. This system also includes a remote control and S-Video outputs. The DAV-C700 is also currently available for about $699. For more specifications and photo, click here.
To round out its "Dream System" line, Sony introduces the DAV-C900. This system is a more feature packed version of the DAV-C700 with the addition of component video outputs (which takes full advantage of video display capability of its DVD player), and an innovative slim-line speaker system design. This last system is expected to be available sometime in September for $1,000. More details to come.
In addition to integrating SACD into home theater products, Sony has not ignored the mainstream audio-only consumer. Sony currently offers three multi-channel SACD players targeted to the mainstream market:
Designed as an entry level changer, this unit still sports high-end features, such as SACD/CD/CDR/CDRW playback, SACD/CD Text compatibility, remote control, headphone jack, headphone level control, optical output for CD, 5.1 channel analog output for multi-channel SACD, and multi-channel management system that allows adjustment of channel levels to optimize performance in a variety of acoustic settings and distance to listener. Street price, an extremely low $349. For a detailed review of this unit, check out Home Theater Magazine.
Same basic features as the SCD-CE775, but adds a twin laser pickup for more accurate SACD and CD playback, sturdier chassis construction, and optical and coaxial digital outputs for CD playback. Street price: $799
Adds integrated control capability with other Sony components. Heavy duty construction with emphasis on isolating transport mechanisms from the power and audio circuitry, as well as employing gold-plated line outputs. Street price: $1,699.
In addition to above 5-Disc SACD changers, the single-tray SCD-XE670 will be available soon (Sept 2001). For a preview photo of this unit, check the following link from UK electronics dealer Techtronics. Anticipated street price: $300.
All of the above units play SACD two-channel, multi-channel, and dual layered SACD/CD hybrid discs, as well as regular CDs/CD-Rs and RWs. One final hardware note on SACD: In order to access the multi-channel SACD output your AV receiver must be equipped with a set of 6-channel analog audio inputs.
Now, the question you have at this point is what SACD titles are available to purchase? Although available titles number in the hundreds, as compared to the millions of CD titles available, and most are remixes and remasters of older material (Rock, Classical, and Jazz), there is a small but growing number of original titles. Also, if you are concerned with backwards compatibility with your current CD collection, some titles are being released as dual-layered hybrid discs, with one layer containing a standard two-channel CD mix (which can be played on any CD player) and the other containing either a two- or multi-channel SACD format mix. Here are few resources that may assist you:
Super Audio CD - Tower Records
Best Buy: An Intrduction To SACD.
Whether in response from competition from DVD-Audio, which was developed from the start to multi-channel capable, or an effort to appeal to a broader customer base, Sony is definitely not standing still in its effort gain acceptance for SACD in both audiophile and home theater circles, with the introduction its broad product line. If you are considering an upgrade to your current CD player or wish to enter the home theater arena with a modest, but feature-packed all-in-one system, you might just give the above Sony products consideration. If you haven't had the experience of listening to an SACD recording, take the oppourtunity. If you miss the "warmth" of analog vinyl recordings, crave the depth of studio master quality, but want the convenience of a digital format, SACD might just be for you, especially if hardware prices continue to fall and software selection becomes more plentiful.
Although the traditional CD will not be dislodged for some time as the dominant music listening format, both SACD and DVD-Audio will continue to make inroads, especially if manufacturers and recording studios continue their committment to these new formats. So far, only time will tell if there will be clear winner as proponents and detractors debate the merits or limitations of each format, and consumers vote with their pocketbooks. However, regardless whether DVD-Audio or SACD dominates, the CD era is beginning to end. Stay tuned to this site for continuing updates on both SACD and DVD-Audio as new products are introduced.
For more info on SACD and DVD-Audio, check out my previous articles on the subject, Product Trends For 2001: DVD Audio/SACD and Battlefield Audio - The CD Format War.
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